Mexico, US, Canada Strengthen Cooperation for Animal Health

Mexico, the United States, and Canada have reaffirmed their commitment to regional food safety through the signing of updated Terms of Reference for the North American Animal Health Committee (CSAAN). The agreement, aligned with the provisions of the USMCA, aims to enhance collaborative efforts among North American sanitary agencies. This initiative underscores their shared objective of ensuring safe food trade practices across the region.

Established in 2000 under a memorandum of understanding, CSAAN has played a pivotal role in safeguarding animal health for nearly two decades. Its ongoing mission includes joint efforts to prevent, control, and eradicate diseases and pests that could impact the region's zoosanitary status, in accordance with OIE guidelines.

The Terms of Reference outline annual plenary meetings for agency representatives, with provisions for extraordinary sessions to address urgent matters. CSAAN experts also provide advisory opinions on specific animal health issues to international organizations and facilitate information exchange on regulatory changes, border controls, and disease outbreaks.